News and Features

Preston wasn’t on the list! The list in question contained the initial suggestions of which technical colleges were to be designated as the new polytechnics. It was a blow, but not one that Preston, Lancashire or the Harris College were going to accept without a struggle.

If the warning sirens began to wail over Preston during the Second World War, the Harris Institute was prepared. Students had already woven and pieced together 2,000 yards of their own blackout cloth in readiness.

At the first open meeting of the Institution, its first President, Thomas Batty Addison, expressed his wish that, one day in the distant future, Preston might have its own university.

There would be plenty of reasons to remember 5th November 1896, when a ‘Grand Bazaar’ was opened in Preston’s Public Hall. The aim of the Bazaar was to raise funds for the new Victoria Jubilee Technical School; a magnificent addition to the Harris Institute being erected on Corporation Street.

An expedition into the depths of our University Archives frequently leads to the unearthing of long-forgotten treasures and curiosities. A recently rediscovered Harris Institute Guild Magazine from 1922 is just one example.

Preston Polytechnic’s new Library building received the royal seal of approval on 30th March 1979 when HRH Prince Philip paid a visit for the official opening ceremony - and treated staff to some of his trademark humour.

UCLan named winner of The Guardian University Awards 2018 internationalisation category for hosting the American University of the Caribbean. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)...

UCLan graduate tours the city with his new bride to relive his student memories and good times. When most people think of ideal honeymoon destinations,...

Former students from years gone by reunited as part of UCLan’s 190th anniversary celebrations.

Chinese graduates have been reunited in Beijing to help launch UCLan's 190th celebrations.

Did you graduate from the Harris Institute or Harris College prior to 1973? If so then you are invited to attend our Harris Alumni Reunion in aid of our 190th anniversary.

The University has been presented with a plaque dedicated to Joseph Livesey, the man who co-founded the institution that eventually became the University as we know it today.

Mark Lawrenson and Eric Knowles help to share the story of the University’s inception in 1828.

We're looking for people to share their stories for a new online archive as the University begins a year of celebration marking its 190th anniversary.

Are you a graduate of UCLan or its predecessor institutions? If so, get in touch with the UCLan Alumni Network and join our growing community of graduates.

Check out our time lapse video of hundreds of staff taking part in the launch of our 190th anniversary celebrations.